Lindsay's Baggage: November 2012

It's been far too long since I have written my last blog entry. Why you ask? Well a funny little thing called school happened. For the last couple months, my world has been a whirlwind of books, coffee, and library sessions. That being said, I have still managed to squeeze in a little fun here and there. My normal days may consist of reading historic writings about 17th century religion and society in England, but my nights are usually spent enjoying time with my friends. I have already had so many wonderful adventures here in England.

The absolute best thing about my time in Canterbury is the friendships I have made. I had been forewarned of these upcoming, fabulous friendships from my friend Johnny back home, so it shouldn't have came as a surprise that I would meet such great people. What I didn't expect was that the good friends I would make would live right in my dorm with me (and next door)! I thought I would meet most of them in class. I feel so fortunate for this and my experience is already more than I imagined it would be thanks to these special people.

Canterbury holds a special place in my heart already. It is a sweet, charming medieval town. The streets are lined in cobblestone and much of the city is surrounded by the old medieval wall. The cathedral is the jewel of the town and is filled with a deep, calm presence. It's easy to forget that I live in such a magical place because I'm usually on campus where the buildings are inspired from the 1960s and 1970s. But when I'm in town and see the vegetables at the open air market and children in their school uniforms walking to their classes, I remember and smile.

I have had the opportunity to take several trips to London in the last couple months. Two of which have been school related seminars I was required to attend. The bus ride to London is pretty cheap and only takes about 2 hours.The majority of my time in London has been spent aimlessly walking around the city and popping in to a couple museums here and there. On one trip I briefly visited the British Museum. Funny, I had never been there before on all my trips to London. The museum was beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed viewing the Rosetta Stone. Just last week I visited the Tate Modern and was intrigued by the architecture and art within the walls. Plus the view of the river Thames from the balcony was incredible. On my walk along the river, I witnessed multiple families out and about, enjoying their day. Despite the cloudy weather, the riverside was vibrant and alive with street artists, entertainers and music.

Walking home from the library tonight, I smiled to myself and thought, "I am living my dream." And it's true. I am living my dream. I feel incredibly blessed to be here. But I know luck isn't the only factor to blame for my arrival. I have worked really hard and am proud of my accomplishments. Life is what you make it and this dreamer is making the most of it.